I've been adding text to layers for a few months with no problem. Now every time I use the text tool all I get is a 'dot' with a line that extends as I type. It does create a layer and the layer is named by whatever I typed but there isn't anything there. I've tried the 'find' and it didn't find anything. I've gotten the outline to show, but it's empty. I also found a similar question and the response was that the font size might be too small to see. I have a 25 inch background and set the font to 72 but still nothing. Since I haven't had this problem until now it seems like something is just set wrong -- but what?

Nice to see so many suggestions. I didn't know (or maybe forgot) about the reset function. Unfortunately none of these made any difference. I'd post a screen print but really don't know how. My screen prints just go to the printer. Anyway, I decided to just give in and start over VANILLA.

I made a new file. Size 8.5 x 11 Changed the font size to 30 and the style to Myriad Pro. Everything else is default. No layers added to the background. Then I select the Text tool. It shows Layer 1 and the little square that indicates the text will be horizontal. As I type, the cursor moves right and drags a line with it. If I click on the 'Layer 1' it changes to whatever it is I typed -- but there is nothing on the screen. Yesterday I could select the 'move' tool and see an empty layer but today nothing shows. The differences, aside from font size, were the size of the background and an additional layer. Oh, yes, and today all the tools were reset. I'm missing something, I know -- and probably some little thing. Any more ideas? I sure could use some

Your solution has already been suggested above (by several people). This HAS to do with your document dimensions.

Start a new document FILE/NEW

Just use the presets drop down menu - choose WEB, choose any size in the next drop down menu, your resolution probably reads "72" - I've adjusted mine to read "100" so I have the proper relative screen zoom (for my particular screen resolution). Click OK. Select TYPE tool, use 72 for the size. Now, if you are still having issues with not seeing the text, then a screen shot is definitely needed.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I've tried them all except for the screen print -- and I'm copying that for future reference. Since I know this worked before and since I've been on vacation for a week I'm going to assume we had some heavy weather here during that time. I'm going to reinstall Photoshop and hope whatever 'slipped' is reset. I appreciate it all. Hopefully the next time I come back it will be to help.

Download this .psd and see if you can add text to it. There is a layer with paragraph text. Double-click the TEXT (T) icon on the layer panel and see if you can add/edit/replace the text.

A screen shot is SO easy and can maybe help. While in Photoshop, make sure your character panel is visible. Just click the "Print Screen" button on your keyboard. Come back to reply, paste the image here by clicking "Ctrl + V". If that doesn't do it, try again. If that doesn't work, look online for alternate directions.

It can be very frustrating when one takes the time to try and help someone, then for that person (the OP) to not really wait and try ALL the suggestions from others. Another thing to make sure is you are NOT in Quick Mask mode. Look at your CHANNELS panel and make sure you ONLY have 4 layers. Some times the Quick Mask mode can "stick" between documents.

Soorry. I thought I did try all suggestions -- except the screen shot; I was, and am, too frustrated to keep at it. Just because a suggestion isn't marked as helpful doesn't mean it wasn't tried. Even suggestions that don't work are helpful in that they add to the 'no it's not that' list. BUT they only allowed me to mark 4 as 'helpful'. I marked the four I found MOST helpful. Maybe I should just skip marking next time?

Wow. It worked. Time to celebrate. The funny thing is I didn't (knowingly) define my own presets. But then I also had a problem with permissions on my other computer this week -- SOLVED. And my air conditioner. . . Probably had some pretty wild weather here while I was gone.